A couple of helpers

I am so happy that we live in a world where we can carry around our devotionals, bibles, and apps that help us in our daily faith walk- right in the palm of our hand- in our smart phones.

 I mean, how great is it that when you're in line, waiting on car repairs, or on the train, you can have a few precious minutes with God? Amazing!

So, I thought I'd share some of my favorite lock screens from She Reads Truth, one of my all time favorite apps. The lock screens help with my scripture memorization, so I change them every time I memorize one. Every little bit helps!

What apps or aids do you use to help get in more of God's word in this busy world? List everything below so we can share!

Leave a Comment encouragement, faith, Jessy H.

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Modesty?

Lately, modesty has been on my mind a lot. Maybe it's because I'm getting older, and the younger gals are wearing less and less clothing, maybe it's because my Christian walk is getting deeper... whatever the reason, I am diving in to find out what it is exactly, and what I should change, according to my own personal convictions.

Last year, I found this video, which really hit the modesty point home...




And I've been googling, reading, listening to, and Youtube-ing tons of things on modesty. I mean, aren't we supposed to help each other not to stumble?

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” ~ Mark 9:42

Jami from Young Wife's Guide has TONS of blog posts about this. So, if this is something you're interested in learning more about, then check out her site. 

Ultimately, I feel this is a subject a lot of us don't really learn that much about. I mean, you're taught, in the words of my Grandma, "Don't let out all your goodies for God & everybody to see!" But, as a young lady, you think it's just because you will get the wrong kind of attention from guys. And that's partly true, but I think as you get older and married, it becomes more about respect for God #1, then respect for your husband, and finally- just respecting yourself. 

Will I completely throw out everything but dresses? Probably not. But I know, for a fact, I will continue to seek God's wisdom on this, praying that He will guide me to what He wants me to wear. I know that may sound kinda hinky to some of you, and that's fine. To each his own. For me- it's important at this point in my life. And I think if it's tugging at my heart, then it's God tapping me on the shoulder saying, "Hey, let's talk about this."


I know I'm probably opening up a can of worms here, but ... what are your thoughts on modesty? 

1 comment faith, Jessy H.

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You are chosen..

How many times do you think God is calling you to do stuff, but think of excuse after excuse?

BUT I DON'T COME FROM A PERFECT FAMILY...

Neither did Jesus.  Think about it, read the start of Matthew the genealogy of Christ's earthly family.  The only perfect person in that family is Jesus.  Keep reading through the Bible, it is story after story about people in his genealogy that struggled, but still were great warriors of faith.

I'M NOT OLD ENOUGH....

Look at David, read 1 Samuel 16:8-13.  Jesse put all his sons in front of Samuel, except his youngest.  He left David out with the sheep.  Jesse didn't think he would choose his youngest son, but oh was he wrong.

I NOT PRETTY ENOUGH, TALL ENOUGH.....

Again, look at David.  1 Samuel 16:7 "But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or his statue, because I have rejected him.  Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart."

I AM SCARED....

Read Luke 12:7 "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Don't be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows.  

How often do we feel like God is calling us, but let our fears stop us.  Can you imagine is we jumped all in? Can you imagine if we completely let go and let The Holy Spirit fill us?  Lets's go MOVE MOUNTAINS.  

                 

Leave a Comment Emily Anne T., faith, God, praying

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Those Jesus movies

Did you guys watch those Jesus movies from Pure Flix Entertainment? I see a lot on Netflix, and it's pretty much regular people, involved in some sort of crisis, and this guy comes around, saying he's Jesus, revealing their past and secrets that he couldn't possibly know... and then they come around to give their life to him in the end.

This is the last one I watched...



It's kind of the corny acting jobs on here, no really huge stars, but you'll recognize a couple of the actors from other Christian movies.  Honestly, the message is stunning. And got me to realize, what in the world would I do if I was just going about my day and BAMMM Jesus appears? Would I believe him, that he is the Son of God? Or would my heart be calloused and my worldly brain not accept that this is real?  After he started talking to me, some weird stranger just coming up to me... would I run away or would I listen? Of course, my pride would like to say that I'd know it was him and fall to his feet in worship... but is that really the case? What if he come to me, looking like a homeless person? Honestly, I'd probably do the fast-walk-don't-look-them-in-the-eye thing. And that's sad!

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2

I try to put myself in this scenario and each time, if I'm completely honest with myself, I would probably not believe it. Of course after he starts telling me of my past, and knowing the details, I'd start to know something was up, but would I listen that long or run away and call the cops, saying I have a stalker?

What would you do?

Leave a Comment faith, Jessy H.

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Children of the Light

  Isn't it funny? What once would be okay to do, or be around, or even hear and see, is now deemed inappropriate in your eyes. Your good friends who were always a blast at parties now seem to crude for you. You still love them, but it's like 2 days too late old milk, you just can't seem to stomach things that they may do or say. It just doesn't feel right anymore.


Romans 5:8 - but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

  Or maybe things that you've done in the past, that you knew wasn't quite right- but you could always justify it away in your mind, "Oh what's a little white lie when... (insert excuse in here)."  Why did this happen? Because you, my dear, saw the light. You have been shown just how much God loves you, by giving His only son for you. You now know what that action of love took to complete- and how can you continue down a path of less than stellar activities and thoughts when you KNOW who is jealous for you?

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

  Give God a chance. Follow His leadership, and your life will change in ways you never even dreamed of. Yes, you may lose a couple of friendships, you will definitely lose sleep wondering how could you follow the wrong paths when God was chasing after you all along. But end the end, folks, the reward, a chance to walk with God everyday and feel His love-  is so much better than whatever "bad" things you are hanging on to.

Hebrews 12:28-29 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.

Leave a Comment faith, Jessy H., Jesus

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Does God Brag On You?

Job 1:8 Isn't that a powerful verse?  I mean God was bragging about someone who truly fears the Lord.  If the Devil came to God and asked about you, would God brag about how you turn away from evil and fear God?  Look at this verse!

Job 1:10 This verse is Satan talking to God asking about the hedge that has been placed around Job.  How cool is that?  There is proof that He guards those who fear Him, turn from evil, and love Him.  Our God is so powerful! Do you have a faith that is strong enough for God to brag about you?  Would you have enough evidence to "convict" you for being a Christian? 

Leave a Comment Emily Anne T., faith, God

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This could have many titles.  I couldn't  pick just one, so...

Goodbye status quo 

New normal 

Mouse to a lion

Living the life Jesus made for you

 I like music when I am thinking, so here is an amazing song to go along with my thoughts. 

What's holding you back? Do you want a life that is full life? Do you have the God designed life? You can't have it with things holding you back.  John 10:10

To grab on to promises you can't hold on to what is holding you back.  Ephesians 3:20 

Some steps to get this life. Find the excuse. Stop listing to the voices. Don't get in a rut. Always look for ways to show Jesus. People in the bible used excuses also. Moses. Giddion, Jeremiah they all found the excuse but then went on to make history. 
Let it go. Most excuses are linked to fears. 
Replace it with something. Replace it with a verse. 2 Timothy 1:7. 

See the life that God bought for you. Forget the land you have been living in. Think about your promised land that God has given you. Israel went to the promised land in 40 years. It should have taken 11 days. We as humans we mess up His plan so much but he sees His plan through when you are ready to let it go. Don't be the person that misses out because you are holding on to mediocrity. Joshua in the battle of Jericho, before the battle he was told he had already won. Then was given the battle strategy of walking around walls for seven days, their faith of carrying out the crazy battle plan since they already knew the promised land. Joshua 6:2

 Ready to step into life after giving up what's holding you back? Psalms 37:3

 Trust God! Take the first step! Joshua 3:8

 In the scripture they had to take the first step before his promise was fulfilled. His opinion is the only one that matters. Don't you think Joshua's fighters felt weird and thought other would think they were crazy for marching around a city and blowing horns? Accept his promises in your life and know they are for you.  Psalms 37:3-5

 Get in the habit of looking to him first. Take delight in Him. Get to know him, get to know his heart. Experience his hearts Psalms 37:4-5

Commit everything to the Lord. Romans 12:1-2

God brings out the best in you and develops well formed maturity. He is the great I am. He wants to show the best of us. When Moses, Jeremiah, and Giddion were telling his excises, God said, "I am. I am with you."

Yeah 6 easy steps right?! Ha! It was easy to type but is hard to actually do in your life and my life daily. I will have to remind myself daily, when I am picking up my cross and following him. The John 10:10

life is waiting on you, when you lay down your life and live His. 

Leave a Comment Emily Anne T., encouragement, faith, scripture

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You won't find the right church (& why you shouldn't try) Part 3

Part 3

We're at the end of this three part series on why you won’t find the “right” church (and you shouldn't try). Today I want to talk about the third major reason why a consumerist vision of church is wrong and how it reveals where we place our faith.

I hope you're ready, because this is sort of the most important reason.

God doesn't want you to find a church. God wants you to be the church.

Read that again.

Now read it a third time. Out loud.

The church isn't about you as an individual. It’s not about your needs or your wants or your desires or your fears or your anything. It’s about God. Full stop.

Now “about God” looks like a lot of different things to different people, and this is where we run into trouble. To some of us it looks like hanging out with other Christians. To some of us it looks like doing good in the community. To some of us it looks like getting deep into His Word. And to some of us it looks like praise and worship.

None of these are wrong. Every single one of those things are centered on God! We all have our favorite things about church… and our not so favorite things. But what I think it all boils down to is being involved in the church and loving others.

If you're shopping for a church there’s simply no way you're jumping in and getting involved in that church, because you're too busy judging it by your criteria. And if you're shopping for a church there’s no way you're loving others, because you're too busy sizing up their performance of Christianity by your criteria (and it often falls short of your own, doesn't it? Hard truth, people!).

 We're in a precarious position as followers of Jesus Christ. There’s no way we will ever be anything close to as perfect and amazing as Jesus is, because we’re not God in human form. But we’re called to follow Him: His teachings and His example. We are called to be both in the church and to be the church.

We aren’t called to find the perfect church. Or to pick apart the churches we don’t like. And when we do these things what we’re revealing about ourselves is that we’re so focused on judging others we’ve forgotten why we’re looking for a church in the first place.

Rachel blogs at Choose Happy, and spends the majority of her free time chasing a 2 year old. She was not raised in a religious home, and was an atheist before God found her and made her His.

1 comment Church, faith, Rachel M.

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You won't find the right church (& you shouldn't try) Part 2

Part 2

Last week we discussed how there is simply no such thing as the “right” church. This week, I want to delve a little deeper into this discussion of our tendency to treat church as just another commodity in our consumer society.

The second reason why we shouldn't view our church experience through this lens is that our feelings should not be our spiritual guides.

Do our feelings and opinions matter? Of course, but they shouldn’t be the only thing we think about when it comes to our church experience.  And if you’re church shoppingthen you’re most likely thinking about yourchecklist of what you need in your church.

To put it simply: you’re relying on your heart to tell you how to live your spiritual life. And your feelings don’t matter more than God’s plan for you or His church.

The Bible describes the heart as being “deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jer. 17:9). Now this isn’t the only description of the heart in the Bible, but through my research I found that most positive descriptions of the heart are rooted in God’s role in our hearts. The negative descriptions? God hardening someone’s heart or people relying on their own hearts at the exclusion of God.

So what does this all tell us about where we place our faith? Well, if we’re relying on our hearts to lead the way in our decision making – especially in our spiritual lives – we are not trusting God. Instead, we are getting caught up in our desires, fears, and comfort. We aren’t giving God a chance to settle us, guide us, and love us through our discomfort. And discomfort is oftena tool God uses to help us grow out of our self-imposed boundaries.

That’s a hard truth, isn't it? But it’s also a beautiful truth, because it’s absolutely something we can change! We can change our tendency to rely solely on our feelings and on ourselves by working on our relationship with God and trusting Him.

Rachel blogs at Choose Happy, and spends the majority of her free time chasing a 2 year old. She was not raised in a religious home, and was an atheist before God found her and made her His.

5 comments Church, faith, Rachel M.

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Love one another, friends, family, spouses... anyone and everyone... show

 L-O-V-E! 

Happy Valentine's Day, I hope your day is filled to the brim with love. 

Linking up for Finding Beauty Friday with Aimee from Aimee-Lynn Photography.

Leave a Comment faith, Finding Beauty Friday, Jessy H.

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5 ways to keep God in your Daily Life

In today's world, we are all so busy. Rushing from this event to that, grocery stores, kid's schedules, household chores, work, friends, family events... it gets overwhelming!

And sure, we may carve out a few precious minutes with God in the morning, or you may have your time at night. But, is that enough? I'm guilty of shooting up a quick prayer when things get hairy, "God, please let me find this place. I've been circling for minutes," and so on. 

However, is that truly enough for our Father in heaven? Sometimes I don't think it is. Deep down, I know I need to do more. 

So, I've come up with 5 tips to keep God in your Daily Life. 

1. Bring God into your little spaces- bathrooms with scripture on the walls | Cars with a cross on the rear view  | Work cubicles with scripture in picture frames | Kitchens with plaques of inspiration on them. Each time you see any reminder of God, offer up a quick prayer, or even a heartfelt "Thank you," to God. 

2. Buy a pocket bible. These little bibles fit wonderfully in your purse, briefcase, office desk drawer, wherever! When you have a moment or two of down time, say in a waiting room or in line somewhere, break it out and just flip to a page if nothing else. Read and savor every word and try to keep it in your mind throughout the day.

3. Plan and set aside more time with God than what you think you have. That way, if you can't have 3, 30 minute bible studies maybe you will make sure to fit in 2 because you feel bad about canceling the first one. 

4.  Put crosses (or other signs of your faith) everywhere. And I mean, EVERYWHERE! I've started to Sharpie crosses on my chapsticks, just little reminders every time I use the chapstick to shoot up a quick word or feeling to God. I use chapstick like nobodies business, so I send many shout outs to the heavens in a day. 

5. Find an accountability partner.  This can be your current BFF, this could be your Mom, Sister, Brother, a stranger at church, just someone that you commit to checking in regularly about your walk with God. You and your accountability partner can decide to do a bible study together, or just read the books of the bible together. Checking in with someone daily, weekly- whatever you choose can really make a difference in your life. I think we all could use someone holding our feet to the fire so we don't let life get in the way of our walk.  Our little Prayerful Bloggers community has started an accountability partner program. If this sounds like something you'd like to do, 1. Sign up to join Prayerful Bloggers here, 2. Sign up for the Accountability Partner Program here. 

I hope these tips help you! And please, if you have any that I haven't listed above, please feel free to comment with them below! Share the knowledge!  

1 comment Bible Study, encouragement, faith, Jessy H.

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Do you forgive easily?

Forgiveness, to forgive, forgive one another is all over the bible. And, as Christians, we know that we are supposed to forgive others just as God forgives us for all of our sins. And, as humans, sometimes forgiving someone can seem nearly impossible.

How can you forgive someone? When are you supposed to forgive them, right away or can you take some time to be angry?

Matthew 6:14-15  For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.


Ephesians 4:32  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.


What happens when we don't forgive?

Hebrews 12:14-15  Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

2John 1:8  Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for , but that you may be rewarded fully.


How does God forgive us? 

Hebrews 8:12  For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

He doesn't remember our sins, he truly forgive and forgets! He treats our sins like they haven't even occurred!   If we are to forgive someone, we must act as if that sin had never occurred. We will, of course, remember the sin, but we must live as if we did not remember it.  That is the way God forgives, and if we are followers, we must also.

Leave a Comment faith, forgiveness, Jessy H.

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Adopting a soldier

I'm sure you've watched the news, and know that some of our brave men and women were deployed again. And I'm sure you're aware that the holiday season is fast approaching us. So, I've started putting together care packages for some of our troops filled with silly things such as rubber band shooter guns, harmonicas, and also things they can use like candy, (of course candy will be involved), cookies, coffee, and even a couple of toiletries. Why? Because my brother is over there again, and because of the fact that the last time our troops were over there, they had a base with little stores open where they could buy these things. Now? Not so much.

I know that not everyone can put in money or time to send a box of goodies over to a stranger. Christmas is fast approaching, I get it. But what about a card? Or letters, or maybe getting your kids to draw some pictures to mail to a soldier... would that be too much hassle?

I'm asking my readers, my friends, to email me if you'd like to donate a box of goodies for our troops, again, this could be snacks, toiletries, or the cards, letters of encouragement, and of course who doesn't love a drawing from a child? Whatever it may be, I know that there is a troop over there right now, wishing they were home for the holidays, and most of them are single soldiers who may not be getting a lot of mail, but need a little pick me up from his fellow Americans.

Please, comment below with your email if you'd like to join me in sending a little cheer across the miles. Consider this your good deed for the day, week, month or year.

Leave a Comment faith, Jessy H.

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Sharing Scripture, Vol. 2

Hey you! Thanks for joining me! Today is Sharing Scripture day! This link up is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I love seeing how all of you creative little beings display your favorite scriptures!

Here's the low down:

• This will be on the first Thursday of every month, for now. I know a few ladies said they get overwhelmed with weekly link-ups, so once a month should work great for everyone! 
• You are to follow your host, me (for right now, there aren't any co-hosts), on Bloglovin'.
• You are to link specifically to the blog post about scripture. If you link just to your blog, your link will be deleted.
• Spread the love! Comment on the person who linked up before you, at least! You can comment on how many ever blogs you'd like, but let's play nice and leave encouragement on the person in front of you.
• IF you are sharing something that you've created to sell, please do not link up to your Etsy page. Feature your items on your blog, then link up that specific blog post. We want to hear what inspired you to make something! 
• Lastly, put the "Sharing Scripture" link up button somewhere in your blog post so others will learn of this cool little link up and join us! The link up will stay open for 7 days, so plenty of time to link up if you're running a little late!   This one is so important, ladies. I want to promote you, but I also want to get the word out about this cool little link up! So, I hate to say it, but your post may be deleted if you're not putting the link up button on your post, somewhere, anywhere, it just needs to be there! Thanks for understanding. 

That's it! Now, let's get started Sharing Scripture! 

<div align="center"><br /><a <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.2" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">href</span>="http://www.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.3" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">theartsycajun</span>.com" title="The Artsy Cajun"><<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.4" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">img</span> <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.5" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">src</span>="http://i1279.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.6" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">photobucket</span>.com/albums/y536/Jessica_<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.7" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">Hnatiuk</span>/sharingscripture250_zpsd0606d94.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.8" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">jpg</span>" alt="The Artsy Cajun" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br />

Leave a Comment faith, Jessy H., Sharing Scripture

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Are your circles of relationships beneficial?

Today, I want to share something with you that's been on heavy on my heart lately. Friendship. Sounds simple enough right? Wrong! It's anything BUT simple, especially when you have friends who are different or were raised differently than you, who have different beliefs and who may or may not live far away. There are thousands of things that can alter your friendships, but who is worth overcoming the obstacles for?

  At my church Sunday, the message was about your circles. I automatically think about Meet the Fockers when Jack tells Greg that he is no longer in the "inner circle" of trust. Ha! Ok, back to church- the pastor spoke about 3 rings of your circle,

• the center ring being your Circle of Intimacy which should contain your spouse, parents, and anyone who you would trust your life with.
• The next circle going outward is the Circle of Influence, which includes most of your friends, anyone who can tell you "You look chunky in that dress" and you immediately throw the dress away.
• The last, and outer circle is your Circle of Concern, which may include folks that are considered acquaintances, or people who you've clicked with, but need more time before you bring them into an inner circle.

  And his question to us, Who's in your circles and should they be there?  Now, this had my mind spinning because for the last month or so The Mr. and I have really been evaluating the folks in our life, and their influences on us. Are they doing any good what so ever? Or is it a empty shell of a friendship in name alone?  I want people close to me who are going to lift me up just as much as I lift them up, not only in the bad times, but the good times as well. I want people who will call to check in at least once a week, who will send a quick text if they have a funny story or good news about something. I need that plus the feeling of true connection, and more from someone I consider in my circles and sadly, it's not working out that way with some of my "friends". Just because we may have been friends for x amount of years doesn't mean it's a valuable friendship.  The phrase, "You get what you put in" is not correct in my life because I put in a ton and get little back. They, on the other hand, get a lot from me and only put in bare minimum.

Proverbs 22:24-25 Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

  Oftentimes, I am the one who gets called when some one's life gets a curve ball. I don't mind this AT ALL, I love to comfort and talk someone through tough times. I feel like I have a nurturing spirit and if that's what God gave me, then I'll use it on anyone who comes to me needing comfort. Still, I feel like I only hear from some of my friends in the event of a tragedy... they've split up with their love, their dog died, they have to move, they don't know who to date, they've had some sort of medical set back and are on bed rest with no one else around and they are bored so they call me! Wow! Really? I'm your last resort?

Proverbs 12:26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

 Most of my friends are not in the coveted Circle of intimacy, and that really saddens me! And in all honesty, most of my friends will drift off for a few years, then get back into contact. And since I move around so much it was difficult to stay in touch... in 1999, but now- with the obscene amount of technology- there shouldn't be any excuse! So, do they really belong in ANY of my circles? Do they uplift me? Do they encourage and support me? Do we have heart to heart chats about MY life? Do we have bible studies together? Do they inspire me to get closer to God? Do they even really pray for me like I do them every.single.night.? The answers will probably break my heart. So do I consider them dead weight and cut them loose no matter how much it breaks my heart? It's a tough one, my friends. But don't I deserve to have healthy friendships?

“Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?” - C.S. Lewis

-Jessy H. 

1 comment faith, Jessy H., love, relationships

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Do you struggle with compassion?

I have a confession, sometimes, I have little compassion for people. Sometimes, as in 20% of the time, I'm not as compassionate as I should be.   I know I should be more sensitive, and pick up on things that they may need comforting on, but sometimes it's just hard! The bible tells us that...
Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds,  he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless,  like sheep without a shepherd.

... So, we should be compassionate for others, pretty much no matter the circumstances, just like Jesus was for us.  I know that it's my own hang ups that cause this lack of compassion. It is the touchy subjects in my own life and my own heart that sort of builds a wall around my heart at the very mention of the touchy subject. I know, selfish right? If someone is coming to me, the last thing I want is to not give them my whole heart and help them any way I can. I suppose I can chalk it up to being human, but at what point does that excuse expire? I say it expires here and now. I say that if the Lord as brought these folks in my life, and to me, wanting comfort, who am I to deny them?  Am I right? 

So, I've decided to memorize these scriptures to make sure that my ears, heart, and doors (or email) will be open for any of my brothers and sisters who need a good chat. 

Your turn: Do you ever struggle to have compassion for others? What are some ways you really "plug in" to others and help them? Comment below!

-Jessy H. 

2 comments faith, Jessy H., Jesus, love, Others

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Faith

Written by Obi

Faith is a HUGE part of most people's lives. I would like to share a little story with you about how I have come to know and appreciate my faith more.

For me having a strong Faith has allowed me to go forward in many things despite the obstacles. My biggest test of Faith thus far has been with my eyesight. Starting in September of 2013 I began to loose my eyesight in both eyes due to my retina's detaching. A scary experience indeed. It was with quick action, good doctors, supportive family and friends, and FAITH in the Lord, that I was able to go through my needed surgeries to correct the issue and keep/restore my sight.

My faith has grown stronger through all of this and my conversations with the Lord are more frequent now because I am truly a believer that He can heal and take care of all things. I have witnessed it in my own life. I pray for continued blessings to all.

Blessings my sweet friends!

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Are you a Proverbs 31 woman?

Written by Stephanie K.

Here lately, I've been thinking "Am I a Proverbs 31 woman?" I know many Christian women who have such a strong faith, and can speak so eloquently, that you know the Lord is speaking through them. They just have that natural ability. I also know some whose kindness melts your heart, or their gentle spirit calms and encourages you, or they just have the right advice to give you at the right time (which comes from their vast knowledge of the Lord and His words)! But do I have the virtues listed in those verses? I am neither soft-spoken nor can speak so eloquently. My sarcasm really can't be considered a virtue either. So let's take a look at some of the virtues of a Proverbs 31 woman and see where I need work.

1. Faith -  (Proverbs 31:13) I don't always have a willing heart. Some reasons include: I'm stubborn. I'm fearful. I'm selfish. However, my faith has grown over the years, but I'll admit I'm weak sometimes. I question when I should just do!

2. Marriage -  (Proverbs 31:11- 12, Proverbs 31:28-29) Sometimes we snip at each other mostly due to being tired, but we respect each other and praise each other.

3. Mothering - (Proverbs 31: 26, Proverbs 31: 28) I could probably practice speaking with more kindness than I do now.

4. Health - (Proverbs 31:14-15, Proverbs 31: 17) I don't exercise like I should, and I eat too many sweets. So I need to work on that, especially since I'm baking a little one.

5. Service - (Proverbs 31:12, Proverbs 31:15, Proverbs 31:20) I put my family before my own needs, but I do not rise before the sun to make them breakfast. And for the most part, when someone needs something, I do my best to provide it or help to get it.

6. Finances - (Proverbs 31:16, Proverbs 31:18) Thank you to my FIL and our budget, our finances are looking up! The only debt I now have consists of: student loan, car loan, and mortgage. Therefore, we spend responsibly and can add to the budget something we want to save up for and buy!

7. Homemaking - (Proverbs 31:15, Proverbs 31:20-22, Proverbs 31:27) I don't consider myself a homemaker. I do laundry, clean, and cook now and then, but the house isn't as tidy as it should be. Like I said in #5, I don't cook the family breakfast. The morning just hurts, so I just throw cereal at them and call it a day. I do consider myself hospitable, but I'd rather the house be cleaner when people come over!

8. Time - (Proverbs 31:27)  I'm never idle. I love just sitting on the couch doing nothing. So maybe I need to work on finding ways to better spend my time. I'd love to go to the park more with the kids instead of watching movies. Maybe that will be a goal for the next week.

9. Beauty - (Proverbs 31:10, Proverbs 31:21-22, Proverbs 31:24-25) In regards to outer beauty, I could wear trendier clothes and take time with my hair, but I don't want to get wrapped up in outer beauty. Plus I love jeans and a tshirt. But I love "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come." If one can laugh at the future, one is faithful and not afraid of what's to come. I love to laugh, but I can't say I don't worry.

I know I shouldn't compare myself to others and I am who I am. But sometimes it's hard not to beat yourself up. It's a thin line of being hard on yourself and striving to be a better woman of God. I, apparently, don't know where that line is. But there are some things I'd like to work on.

What are your thoughts?
Where do you excel or fall short as a Proverbs 31 woman? I'd love to hear your insight. Share below.

3 comments faith, proverbs 31, Stephanie K

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A Need for Healing

Written by Makeda 

We see it all the time.

If we don't see it, we feel it.

The need for healing.

There are times when we know that healing will come.

Then there are times when we wonder how long it will take for the healing to arrive.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have dealt with death.  As if that wasn't enough for me I began to deal with an issue of my own healing.  I never thought that I would know what it feels like to be in such a place in my life, where I am asking God questions about both my life and the lives of those that I care about in this way.

In the midst of all of my emotions, I have had to remind myself that God heals.

No matter how I feel or what the doctor says, I have to remember that it is by Jesus stripes that we are healed.(Isaiah 53:5)

This is what I've had to do over and over again this past week.

I've told myself that no matter what it is that I am going through, I will be encouraged and find a way to encourage others.  When I doubted, I searched the word.  When I worried, I searched the word.  When I didn't know what to do, say, or how to feel, I searched the word.

As I searched the word, I wrote the scriptures that spoke to my heart in my journal.  They were the pieces of buried treasure that I had found.  Each time that I found a new treasure, I felt God strengthening me.

I believe that the word of God makes me strong.

It can do the same thing for you.

When you are lost, look for the words of God that will change your heart and your situation.

I had to pray and listen for the words that would bring about a change in me.

I don't know exactly what will come my way, but I look forward to the gifts of God that I know I will receive as I walk this walk of faith.

2 comments faith, healing, Makeda

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God's Plan

Written by: Stephanie

I've questioned my faith a lot in my lifetime. When bad things happen. When good things happen. Even when nothing happens. I question whether or not I should believe. Over the years I have gotten further and further away from my faith. I have let the bad things in my life convince me that I shouldn't believe.

When I was 15 I lost my mother in a very tragic way. I am now 28, almost 29; but this still haunts me every single day. She left my house with her ex-boyfriend and was never seen again. She was declared 'missing' and her body was never found.

Ever since that last day that I saw her, May 25, 2001; I have been unsure of what to believe in. I always wondered why God would let something like that happen to me. Or to anyone for that matter. As I got older, this question became stronger in my mind. I saw the world around us: murderers, school shootings, workplace shootings, rapists, etc. How could God allow all of this to happen?

I suffer daily from depression and anxiety. I questioned why God would let me suffer every single day after the tragedy that I endured. Why wouldn't He allow me a happy life?

Recently I started getting back into my faith and realized that God has a plan for everyone. It may be a tragic, difficult, sad journey; but there is a plan for me. I am here for a reason. We are all here for a reason. There is a plan for everyone. I will make it with God's help.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11).

6 comments faith, grief, loss, love, pain, Stephanie L, tragedy

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